Sprint training exercise system and method

ABSTRACT

This invention is a sprint exercise training system and method suitable for a variety of animals, including horses, dogs and humans, to apply a restraining force during training to condition an animal to run faster. An exercise path (19) is defined by a single elevated monorail (20). The monorail (20) slidably carries a restraining assembly for providing a force opposing, and generally aligned opposite, an animal&#39;s direction of movement along an exercise path. A harness (12, 16) transfers the restraining force via a single tether (5) from the restraining assembly to the moving animal. An animal using the present invention may be conditioned to run faster when not subjected to a restraining force.

This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/017,664 filed May 14, 1996.

The present invention relates to an exercise system and method fortraining animals to increase their running speed. More particularly, itrelates to an exercise system and method wherein a restraining force isapplied to a running animal to condition the animal to be able to run athigher speeds when no force is applied.

As used herein, the term "animal" refers to any animal amenable totraining to increase running speed and includes, without limitation,horses, dogs and humans.

When an animal's body is repeatedly subjected to strenuous physicalactivity which may tax both the musculatory and cardiovascular system,the body adapts and becomes conditioned so that it can more efficientlyperform the physical activity to which the body has been repeatedlysubjected. Examples include sprinters who select training activitieswhich develop great leg strength and muscle mass in order to quicklyaccelerate their whole body to high speeds, and marathon runners whoselect other training activities to develop legs with leaner muscles inorder to more efficiently carry the marathon runner long distances.

In order to condition a animal's body to perform at a level beyond itscurrent capability, the animal may engage in selected strenuous activitythat exceeds its current level of conditioning. For example, amarathoner who wishes to improve his time may run longer distances intraining than actually run in competition. The body thereby willcardiovascularly adapt to accommodate the marathoner for a longerdistance. The marathoner may then run a shorter distance faster thanbefore the body underwent the cardiovascular adaptation.

This conditioning method, however, does not adapt sprinting animals whosprint at full speed over short distances. Conditioning methodscurrently know in the art are not optimally effective in conditioningsprinters and exhibit various disadvantages. Some of these prior artmethods and disadvantages are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,070,816 toWehrell (the "Wehrell Patent"). While the Wehrell Patent discloses anexercise system and method resolving many of the problems of the priorart, there continues to exist a need for improved methods whichrepeatedly subject sprinting animals to an appropriate strenuousphysical activity so that the body adapts and becomes conditioned sothat it can more efficiently perform the sprinting function.

A prior art system (the "Wehrell System") for conditioning animals isshown in FIG. 1. In this system, restraining devices 41 and 42 aresupported by guide rails 8 and 9. Tethers 43 and 44 are attached to eachof restraining devices 41 and 42 respectively and to pivoting member 47.Pivoting member 47 is attached through electronic position sensor 46 torigid harness 45. This system permits the application of a trainingforce in direction A upon an animal, a horse in these figures, runningaround a training track.

This system additionally allows the horse to shift across the tracklaterally without an imbalanced force acting from the left or rightside. If the horse shifts laterally towards guide rail 9 while running,the vectors of tethers 43 and 44 change relative to electronic positionsensor 46 on harness 45. When restraining devices 41 and 42 apply equalresistance, i.e., Force A=Force B, the difference in the tether angleswill create a unequal Force A' which is greater than Force B'. Suchlateral force relative to the horse's direction of motion is undesired.For example, when tether 43 creates a Force A'>Force B', pivoting member47 rotates clockwise in favor of the greater Force A'. Sensor 46 detectsthis rotation and sends a electronic signal instructing restrainingdevice 41 to apply less resistance to tether 43 while simultaneouslyinstructing restraining device 42 to apply more resistance to tether 44,such that the net training resistance stays the same.

Under ideal operation, the simultaneous adjustment operate so that thehorse feels equal forces, i.e., Force C=Force D, pulling directlybackwards at points 410 and 411 of the rigid harness 45 attaching to thesaddle strap (the "Wehrell Harness"). If Force C Force D, there is nonet moment of torque about point C in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction of motion. In practice, this simultaneousequalization of forces is difficult to achieve and the application ofunequal forces to attachment points 410 and 411 may result. Undesirably,the simultaneous control of two restraining devices 41 and 42 requires acomplex and highly coordinated control system.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 variously model the Wehrell Harness under threeoperating conditions, the numbering corresponding to harness componentsof FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates member 47 aligned with harness 45 underthe condition of tethers 43 and 44 pulling equally from both directions.The Wehrell System provides that if tether 43 pulls harder than tether44, member 47 will rotate clockwise as indicated in FIG. 1, andillustrated by FIG. 3. Such a displacement between members 47 and 45physically requires the application of a counter-clockwise torque toharness 45 at axis point C. FIG. 4 models the resulting harness movementunder the condition of tether 43 pulling harder than tether 44 whilezero torque is applied to harness 45 at axis point C. For example, if a4 pound net force was applied to pivoting member 47 in the direction ofForce A' (see FIG. 1), and member 5 is 8 feet long, 32 foot-lbs. ofclockwise torque results and is thus applied to the horse through points410 and 411. For the harness to operate as illustrated in FIG. 3, 32foot-lbs of counter clockwise torque would be required to stabilizeharness 45 prior to allow member 47 to rotate as shown. This is notdesired. The present invention obviates the requirement for theapplication of such counter clockwise torque.

Further, in the system has described above, the physical relationshipbetween members 45, 46 and 47 affect the system operation. If the horsestrikes harness 45 or if harness 45 strikes guide rails 8 or 9, thenposition sensor 46 reacts by rapidly moving left or right. Such rapidmovement may cause pivoting member 47 to react and pivot, causing thegeneration of false error signals to restraining devices 41 and 42. Thismay cause the system to become unstable and present a danger to thehorse being trained.

Another disadvantage of such a system is that a rider may not attach thetethers to the horse while riding the horse. To attach the tethers, arider must hold the horse in place while a second person attaches thetethers. The requirement to use at least two persons is undesirable.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the two tethers of the Wehrell Systemtraverse the complete track from side to side. This configuration doesnot allow other horses to be on the same training track and either passor be passed by the horse being trained as tethers 43 and 44 will strikeanything above pivoting member 47.

The use of two tethers requires the simultaneous cooperation of tworestraining devices. Such cooperation and simultaneous operationsincreases the complexity of the control system.

The exercise system of the present invention generally provides a singletether training system which obviates many of these problems andimproves the safety afforded to the animal being trained. With referenceto FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, a sprint exercise training system and methodsuitable for variety of animals, including horses, dogs and humans,provides a restraining force during training to condition an animal torun faster. Exercise track 19 may be defined by spaced apart guide rails8 and 9. Guide rails 8 and 9 may be linear, curved, or define acontinuous circular training area. An exercise or training path isspecifically defined by a single elevated monorail 20. The monorailslidably carries a restraining device 1 for providing a restrainingforce Fr opposing and generally directly behind an animal's direction ofmovement along the exercise path. A harness 21 conveys the restrainingforce from the restraining assembly to the moving animal. An animalusing the present invention may be conditioned to run faster when notsubjected to the restraining force. Upper monorail 20 slidably carriesrestraining device 1 which provides net force (Fr) restraining an animalrunning on the exercise track 19. Restraining device 1 may propel itselfin either direction on monorail 20 in an effort to maintain a constantrestraining force on the tethered animal as the animal accelerates anddecelerates during training. The use of an elastic tether 5 assist tobuffer the animal's acceleration and deceleration. Overhead trolley boom3 connected to restraining device 1 carries trolley 4 which may movelaterally along the length of trolley boom 3 as the animal andrestraining device 1 travel around training track 19. The lateralmovement of trolley 4 permits training the animal using a single tether5. Tether 5 attaches to trolley 4 and harness pivoting boom 6 and remainapproximately parallel and in-line with horse's body as the horse shiftslaterally between guide rails 8 and 9.

The present invention provides desired and appropriate strenuousphysical activity such that to condition the animal's body to a higherlevel of resistance so that the animal can more efficiently perform thesprinting function under normal conditions.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novelmonorail exercise training system for animals which obviates many of theproblems and disadvantages of the prior art training systems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a novel singletether monorail training system for an animal providing a restrainingforce generally in alignment with the movement of the animal.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a novelsingle elevated rail training system having the training path defined bya single elevated rail.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a novelsprint training system with improved animal safety in which arestraining tether tension is continuously monitored.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a novelsprint training system that provides improved realism in training bypermitting an animal undergoing training to pass and to be passed byother animals on the training track.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a novelanimal training systems defined by a closed path that facilitatestraining plural animals simultaneously.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a novelanimal training system that monitors various training and animalparameters and, via telemetry, provides real-time analysis of animalperformance.

These and many other objects and advantages of the present inventionwill be readily apparent to one skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains from a perusal of the claims, the appended drawings,and the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of a prior art training system for alarge animal such as a horse.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 variously model the Wehrell Harness under directedoperating conditions.

FIG. 5 is a frontal depiction of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is an overview view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a frontal pictorial illustration of another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C depicts an embodiment of the harness assembly ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates the present invention in a training scenario.

FIG. 11 is an exemplary telemetry output printout.

FIG. 12 illustrates the recoiler of one embodiment of the inventionproviding a tether to an animal harness assembly.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the invention's tether connectorbeing joined with an animal harness assembly.

FIG. 14 illustrates additional restraining assembly options.

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of the present invention utilizing tworetraining assemblies to walk an animal.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the figures where like elements have been givenlike numerical designation to facilitate an understanding of the presentinvention, and particularly with reference to an embodiment of thesingle tether training system illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, thepresent invention may include restraining device 1 resting upon monorail20. Monorail 20 may be elevated high enough such that trolley boom 3extends over training track 19 without presenting an obstacle to otheranimals present on training track 19. Attached to trolley boom 3 isslidable trolley 4 which may traverse the length of trolley boom 3.Single tether 5 attaches to trolley 4 and to pivoting boom 6. FIG. 6presents a partial top view and FIG. 7 present a partial side view ofthis embodiment.

Electronics module 10 attaches to pivoting boom 6 and communicates withthe system main control computer 60. Control computer 60 may provide foroperator (trainer) input.

With reference to FIG. 8, in a second embodiment of the presentinvention a second restraining device 11 may optionally connect to andstabilize trolley boom 3. In this embodiment, trolley boom 3 traversesthe training complete lateral training as defined by guide rails 8 and9.

FIG. 8 illustrates one advantage of the present invention over the priorart in that the animal using the training system may be trained withadditional animals on the track. This may improve training by making theexercises more closely resemble racing conditions. Advantageously,trolley 4 and tether 5 always directed to travel directly behind theanimal, and all other training space over training track area 19 isavailable to other animals without the training system of the presentinvention introducing any obstacle. Accordingly, the present inventionallows the attached animal to safely pass or be passed by other animalson the training track.

With reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes a novel harness assembly which circumvents manyproblems associated with the prior art harnesses. Straps 12 and 16provide a restraining means to secure electronics module 10 and pivotingboom 6 to the animal. FIG. 9A illustrates pivoting boom 6 on theanimal's centerline C if Net Force F1 is directed along animal'scenterline C. FIG. 9B illustrates that when a net Force F2 is directedoff the animal's centerline C, pivoting boom 6 pivots towards thedirection of any net force. As pivoting boom 6 may advantageously freelyrotate about pivot point D, pivoting boom 6 presents an improvement overthe prior art by responsively rotating towards the direction of a netforce without placing any torque on the animal. This embodimentadditionally overcomes the prior art problems of: 1) rigid harness 45(FIG. 1) pressing against the animal when a net force is applied topivot point D and 2) the danger of rigid harness 45 striking guide rails8 or 9 and causing the system to become unstable.

Electronic equipment in electronics module 10 resolves the angularposition of pivoting boom 6 relative to centerline C, providing an errorsignal for trolley 4 and computer 60. Trolley 4 may responsively receivean electronic command to reposition itself on trolley boom 3 and thusre-align pivoting boom 6 on the animal's centerline C.

In one embodiment of the present invention, safety is improved over theprior art by the use of an elastic tether in further combination withrelease mechanism 15 attached to pivoting boom 6. Tether 5advantageously has elastic properties to buffer changes in the horse'sspeed and obviate the requirement for restraining device 1 to provideinstantaneous acceleration responsive to changes in the horse's speed.Release mechanism 15 provides further safety to the animal being trainedby permitting the selective release of tether 5 from the harness.Release mechanism 15 may be activated upon computer or rider commandthus providing both remote automatic as well as local rider control.

With reference to FIG. 9C, animal harness 21 may include padding 14 tocushion electronics package 10 on animal's back. Pivot axis 13 permitspivoting boom 6 to pivot vertically to allow for the rocking action ofthe running animal.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, animal harness 21includes electronics package 10 and pivot axis 13 with release mechanism15 connected thereto. Pivot axis 13 and release mechanism 15 may consistof a single unit. Pivot boom 6 is attached directed to trolley 4. Inthis embodiment, tether 5 feeds from the recoiler 35 via pivotable boom6 to release mechanism 15 on animal harness 21. This embodimentdesirably reduces harness 21 weight on the animal being trained. FIG. 10illustrates the operation of one embodiment of the present invention inan actual training scenario. In the interest of clarity, the rider isnot shown. With the horse in position A and trolley 4 directly behindthe horse in position 1, tether 5 is in-line with the horse'scenterline. In this alignment there will be no net force acting to theleft or right of the horse. If the horse begins to shift towards theleft side of the track, as shown in FIG. 10 by the transition horsefigure, the horse is no longer aligned with trolley 4. As the horseleaves alignment with trolley 4, tether 5 begins to apply a net forcepulling from the right side of the horse. The net force will causepivoting boom 6 to rotate slightly counter clockwise as indicated withthe center transition figure. Electronics module 10 detects the angularshift in pivoting boom 6. The angular shift information serves astelemetry input to instruct trolley 4 to move laterally along trolleyboom 3 to reposition trolley 4 in alignment with the animal at position2, thereby re-aligning pivoting boom 6 on the animal's centerline. Theoperation of the invention is to maintain the alignment of the trolleyand tether directly behind the animal, and thus avoids any net forceacting to the left or right of the animal.

With reference to FIG. 7, in yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, training resistance (tether tension), velocity, restrainingdevice location, and heart rate of the training animal may be measured.Heart monitor 24 embedded in saddle strap 12 measures heart rate.Electronics package 10 monitors tension applied to pivoting boom 6 bytether 5. Detector 25 attached to trolley 4 may also measure resistanceapplied to pivoting boom 6 by tether 5. Restraining device 1, travelingat the same speed as the horse, may include means to measure velocityover monorail 20. The location of restraining device 1 on monorail 20may be by optical receiver or other means known in the art.

With reference to FIG. 11, the present invention may record electronictelemetry outputs for, e.g., tether resistance, heart rate, velocity,boom angular displacement, variously from electronics package 10,restraining device 1, heart rate detector 24 and tension detector 25.The real-time data therefrom may then be used to plot various trainingresponses. The present invention thus allows trainers to adapt thetraining program based on animal responses a previous program. Since thedata is obtained in a real-time fashion and is highly accurate, theanimal can be closely monitored during training thereby providing anadditional safeguard to the animal while subject to the restrainingforce. Known prior art systems do not thus retrieve and apply theseparameters from an animal on a open training track.

With reference to FIG. 12, an alternative embodiment of the inventionincludes recoiler 35 embedded in trolley 4 or alternatively inrestraining device 1 to recoil tether 5. Tether 5 may be desirablyrecoiled after being detached from the animal after completing atraining session or upon activation of release mechanism 15 (previouslyshown on FIG. 9C). Attachment connector 30 secured on an end of tether 5may readily be grasped by a rider while on the horse and attached topivoting boom 6. The attachment may be facilitated by means of a slottedgrove in pivoting boom 6, by snap connection to release mechanism 15, orby another means know in the art. Attachment connector 30 advantageouslyallows the rider to attach tether 5 without dismounting or requiring theassistance of a second person.

With reference to FIG. 13, recoiler 35 allows tether 5 to unwind and beextracted from trolley 4. After the rider attaches connector 30 topivoting boom 6 and the horse is a safe distance from trolley 4 (20 to60 feet), the recoil device may automatically lock in position. Astether 5 becomes tight, restraining device 1, trolley boom 3 and trolley4 will begin to move with the horse and apply the resistance programmedby the command console 61 of computer 60.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method of the invention, using slotted pivotingboom 6, to easily facilitate connecting tether 5 and the animal. Therider, after moving the horse alone the stationary trolley 4, takestether 5 along with connector 30; recoiler 35 allows tether 5 to exittrolley 4; the rider aligns connector 30 with an opening in one end ofpivoting boom 6. This activity is represented with trolley 4 at positionA. Once the rider releases connector 30 in the slotted groove inpivoting boom 6, the rider instructs the horse to walk forward in frontof trolley 4. As the horse moves forward, connector 30 slides along theslotted groove to the end of pivoting boom 6 from position A, throughposition B, to position C. Once connector 30 moves into position C,connector 30 enters into release mechanism 15. As the rider and horsedistance themselves from trolley 4, tether 5 tension will change,signalling recoiler 35 to allow tether 5 to be extracted from trolley 4.As previously described, when the horse is a safe distance from trolley4, tether 5 is locked and the restraining device initiates theprogrammed restraining force. Upon completion of a training session, orin a emergency, tether 5 can be released remotely or locally by therider. In one embodiment, release mechanism 15 will spring open andrelease connector 30 as shown in position D.

With reference to FIG. 6, operation of the control system of anembodiment of the invention can be appreciated. Pivot position B sensesangular boom movement upon the boom responding to any net force actingupon the horse. A position resolver may be included at pivot position Bto accurately inform the electronics package 10 as to the exact positionof pivoting boom 6. The control system operates to detect pivoting boom6 shifting off the center axis and, by electronics package 10 causingthe transmission of an error signal, trolley 4 is repositioned alongtrolley boom 3, realigning pivoting boom 6 along the axis of the horse.

The control system allows interaction between the horse, restrainingdevice 1, trolley 4, and trainer's control computer 60.

System control may originate at console 61 of trainer's control computer60. Console 61 may be remotely located in a position to enable acomplete view of the training track. Console 61 is always in directcontact with electronics module 10 and restraining device 1. Using theaforementioned telemetry, control computer 60 and trainer can monitorthe horse's performance and provide commands to restraining device 1.

Electronics module 10 may be attached to the horse and transmit pluraltelemetries as well as receive a release signal for release mechanism15. These telemetries may include:

1. Harness resistance telemetry. This telemetry may be sent to bothrestraining device 1 and trainer's control computer 60 to continuallymonitor and control the training resistance applied via tether 5. Aforce sensor within pivoting boom 6 may produce this signal.

2. Boom position telemetry. This telemetry may be sent to bothrestraining device 1 and trainer's control computer 60 to continuallymonitor the position of the horse. Any movement off centerline willcause trolley 4 to adjust laterally along trolley boom 3.

3. Heart Rate Telemetry. The horse heart rate telemetry, monitored byheart rate monitor 24 is sent to computer 60 for uses such as measuringheart rate data Vs as a cardiovascular conditioning response to systemresistance.

4. Harness Status. Electronics module 10 may include a microprocessorand may automatically check all functions within module 10 to insureproper functioning during training sessions. This telemetry is sent tocomputer 60 to provide an on-going status. The system may be programmedthat, upon sensing a harness status failure, release mechanism 15 isactivated and tether 5 is released from the horse. Additionally, thesystem can be programmed to not allow its operation unless the harnessstatus indicates all functions are operating properly.

5. Emergency Tether Release Command. An emergency tether release commandmay advantageously be received at electronics module 10 from eitherrestraining device 1 or trainer's control computer 60 as well as locallyfrom the rider. Upon receipt of an emergency tether release command,tether 5 resistance is reduced, for example to less than 5 pounds, andrelease mechanism 15 is activated. Reducing tether 5 resistance prior toactivating release mechanism 15, assures the horse will not stumble whentether 5 is disconnected.

In an embodiment, restraining device 1 may include a linear inductionmotor to propel the device in either direction on monorail 20 allowingthe maintenance of a resistance on the horse as it trains. The motor isselected to be highly reliable and completely silent so as not tofrighten the horse. Restraining device 1 may be supported by a magneticfield over monorail 20 and may include an on-board computer capable ofinstantly taking over and performing trainer's control computer 60functions. Telemetries and commands which may be provided at restrainingdevice 1 include:

1. Tether Tension Telemetry. Tether tension is desirably measured withinan accuracy of 1 pound. This tension measurement should equal theharness tension measurement and may serve as either a backup or a safetymeans.

2. Velocity Telemetry. Velocity is sent to computer 60 and indicates thespeed of restraining device 1 and the horse. An accuracy of 1/2 mile perhour is desirable.

3. Device Status Telemetry. Device status is sent to computer 60 andindicates the status of all vital components to ensure proper operation.Similar to the harness status telemetry, out-of-tolerance conditions mayautomatically shut the system off and release tether 5.

4. Emergency Tether Release Command. Restraining device 1 will transmita tether release command to electronic module 10 if a serious conditionis detected within restraining device 1.

5. Emergency Shutdown/Tether Release Command. Trainer's computer 60independently may detect a system problem and originate an emergencyshutdown/tether release command which command is sent to bothrestraining device 1 and release mechanism 15.

6. Resistance Command. The trainer may optionally set an initial tetherresistance which trainer's computer 60 transmits to restrainingdevice 1. Restraining device 1 will adjust the device location andtether tension to achieve the desired tether resistance.

7. System Power On/Off Command. The trainer may optionally power on andoff restraining device 1 may transmitted a power on/off command. Thisprovides an enhanced level of safety to the horse being trained.

8. Trolley Position Command. Trainer's computer 60 upon receipt of theboom position telemetry previously discussed, computes the position oftrolley 4 on trolley boom 3. If an adjustment of location is required,computer 60 sends a signal to restraining device 1 to cause trolley 4 tobe repositioned along trolley boom 3. Restraining device 1 independentlymay compute trolley 4 position from the boom position telemetry andcalculate an independent repositioning signal. The two commands may becompared, in one embodiment 10 times per second, to ensure bothcomponents are operating properly.

FIG. 7 further illustrates recoiler 35 may automatically recoil tether 5to remove it from the track after tether 5 is released from releasemechanism 15. Upon release of tether 5 from release mechanism 15, arm 31of trolley 4 may swing into a approximately horizontal position (shownin phantom).

With reference to FIG. 14, one closed-loop configuration of the presentinvention is shown. In this embodiment, a first restraining device 1 isutilized on the inner monorail 20.

FIG. 14 further illustrates another embodiment of the inventionrepresenting a significant improvement to the art, wherein the trainingsystem permits automatically reconfiguration to train multiple horses atone time. A standby guide rail 150 supports plural restraining devices 1configured with booms 3 and trolleys 4. Main monorail 20 includes anadditional segment of track 160 which may be fixed or moveable, eithermanually or via computer command, and can switch and connect to standbyguide rail 150. Control computer 60 can command a number of restrainingdevices 1 onto monorail 20 and space them a selectable distant apart.

FIG. 14 additionally depicts a track configured to train three horses atonce. Upon setting up the track, restraining devices 1 move into placeand then stop to await riders to connect tethers 5. All horses thenbegin their respective training programs with the aforementioned safetyfeatures assuring adequate spacing between each horse.

FIG. 14 depicts yet another embodiment of the invention with a furthersection of track 170 connected to standby track 150. Track 170 may beused to unload and store restraining devices 1 after training iscomplete.

In another embodiment of the invention, shown by FIG. 15, a horse,without a rider, may be tethered between two restraining devices 1, thetwo restraining devices operating cooperatively to allow the horse towalk and exercise without a trainer or rider. In this embodiment, thehorse is tethered between two restraining devices 1. The forwardrestraining device 1a may be programmed to initially provide a limitedforward resistance to the horse's bridle and thereby encourage the horseto begin its walk. As the horse begins to walk, the rear restrainingdevice 1b will be towed behind the horse. Once the horse has begun towalk, trainer's control computer 60 or optionally the two restrainingdevices' computers, will adjust the forward restraining device's speedand the rear restraining device's speed to match the horse's own speed.The co-ordination of the horses speed with the speed of the restrainingdevices will reduce the bridle tension to near zero pounds.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is to be understood that the embodiments described areillustrative only and the scope of the invention is to be defined solelyby the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence, manyvariations and modifications naturally occurring to those of skill inthe art from a perusal hereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise system for conditioning a movinganimal comprising:elevated monorail defining a permitted path ofmovement; restraining assembly, slidably carried by said monorail forproviding a restraining force, said restraining assemblycomprising,restraining device, slidably carried by said monorail forcontrollably moving said restraining assembly along said monorail,trolley boom, fixedly attached to said restraining device and extendingoutward from said monorail, and trolley, slidably carried by saidtrolley boom for locating said restraining force along said trolleyboom; harness assembly for applying said restraining force to an animalmoving along said path, said harness assembly comprising,tetherconnected to said trolley and terminating with a tether connector forconveying said restraining force, pivotable boom connecting said tetherconnector for conveying said restraining force, animal harness forrestraining said animal moving along said path, and pivot assemblymounted an said animal harness and connected to said pivotable boom fortransferring said restraining force from said boom to said animalharness; and control means for varying said restraining force andselectably locating said trolley along said trolley boom to provide aregulated restraining force generally aligned behind said animal.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising:auxiliary elevated monorail spacedapart from said first elevated monorail further defining a permittedpath of movement; auxiliary restraining device, slidably carried by saidauxiliary elevated monorail and fixedly attached to said trolley boomfor allowing the trolley to transverse the area between said elevatedmonorail and said auxiliary elevated monorail and cooperative controlmeans for operating said auxiliary restraining device with saidrestraining device to jointly maintain a restraining force on saidanimal.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: aligning means forlocating said trolley along said trolley boom to generally align saidrestraining force directly behind said animal.
 4. The system of claim 3,wherein said aligning means comprises:trolley position detector fordetermining the position of said trolley on said trolley boom; angularposition detector operatively connected to said pivotable boom fordetermining the angular position of said pivotable boom relative to thedirection of movement of said animal; and location control meansoperatively connected to said trolley position detector and said angularposition for determining a revised position for locating said trolleyalong said trolley boom such that said revised position generally alignssaid restraining force directly behind said animal.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising:tether tension measuring means for measuringsaid restraining force on said tether; and tension control meansoperatively connected to said tether tension measuring means formaintaining said restraining force at a predetermined value.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5, further comprising a tether release mechanism forremotely releasing said tether connector from said pivotable boom. 7.The system of claim 6, wherein said tension control means to:(1)determine if tether tension exceeds a pre-selected value, (2) determinethe occurrence of a system failure, (3) monitor for an operator tetherrelease signal, and (4) monitor for a computer generated tether releasesignal,and upon the occurrence of any of said conditions, said tensioncontrol means activates said tether release mechanism to remotelyrelease said tether connector from said pivotable boom.
 8. The system ofclaim 6, wherein said tension control means reduces tether tension priorto activation of said tether release mechanism to prevent rapid changesof tension on said tether and animal.
 9. The system of claim 5, whereinsaid tether tension measuring means comprises:first tension detectoroperatively connected to tether connector for measuring tether tensionat said harness; second tension detector operatively connected to saidtrolley to measure tether tension at said trolley; and comparativecircuitry connected to receive said first tension detector measurementresults and to receive said second tension detector measurement resultsfor comparing said results.
 10. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising telemetry means for simultaneous parameter reporting, saidmonitoring means comprising,animal heart rate detector for measuring andreporting the animal's heart rate during training, restraining devicespeed detector for measuring and reporting the speed of the animal whiletraining, angular displacement sensor for measuring and reporting thedisplacement of said pivotable boom, restraining device accelerationdetector for determining and reporting the acceleration of the animalwhile training, and restraining force sensor for measuring and reportingthe restraining force applied to the animal,whereby the animal'scondition can be continuously monitored during training.
 11. A sprintexercise training system for providing a restraining force on a movinganimal comprising:elevated railing defining a training path; restrainingassembly, slidably carried by said elevated railing for providing arestraining force along said training path; and harness for conveyingsaid restraining force to an animal moving along said training path, andattached to said restraining assembly, said restraining force opposingthe movement of the animal along said training path and comprisingsubstantially all of the force conveyed to said animal by said harness,whereby substantially all of said restraining force conveyed to saidanimal opposes said animal's movement along said training path.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein said restraining assemblycomprises:restraining device, slidably carried by said elevated railingfor controllably moving said restraining assembly along said railing;trolley boom, fixedly attached to said restraining device and extendingoutward from said railing; trolley, slidably carried by said trolleyboom for locating said restraining force along said trolley boom; tetherconnected to said trolley for conveying said restraining force, tetherconnection attached to said tether for connecting said tether to saidharness, recoiler operatively connected within said trolley and to saidtether to feed and retract said tether into said trolley, and controlmeans for varying tether tension and trolley location along said trolleyboom.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein said control means furthercomprises means for controlling said restraining device speed anddirection responsive to programmed restraining force and restrainingdevice velocity.
 14. The system of claim 11, further comprising:secondrestraining assembly, slidably carried by said elevated railing forproviding a second restraining force; and auxiliary tether connected tosaid second restraining assembly and connected to said harness forconveying said second restraining force via said harness to said animal.15. The system of claim 11, wherein said elevated railing defines aclosed training path and further comprising:a second elevated railingselectably connectable to said elevated railing to permit saidrestraining assembly to travel off of and on to said elevated railing;second restraining assembly, slidably carried by said elevated railingfor training a second animal on said training path.
 16. A method forconditioning an animal to run faster comprising the steps of:(a)providing a training path defined by an elevated rail; (b) slidablymounting a restraining assembly upon said elevated rail defining atraining path, for providing a restraining force substantially entirelyopposing the direction of an animal training on said path; (c) securingupon an animal to be trained to a harness assembly for transferring saidrestraining force to said animal training along said path, saidrestraining force comprising substantially all of the force transferredto said animal by said harness assembly; (d) providing a connectingtether between said restraining assembly and said harness assembly toallow said restraining force to be transferred to said harness assembly;and (e) providing control means for varying said restraining force,sensing the lateral movement of an animal and maintaining saidrestraining force generally aligned behind said animal, whereby saidanimal trains to run while subjected to said restraining force so thatthe animal is conditioned to run faster when not subjected to arestraining force.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step ofslidably mounting a restraining assembly comprises the steps of:(a)slidably mounting a restraining device on said railing to allow saidrestraining assembly to move along said railing; (b) fixedly attaching atrolley boom to said restraining device; (c) slidably mounting a trolleyon said trolley boom to provide a laterally moveable restraining force;and (d) attaching to said trolley a pivotable boom to allow saidrestraining force to follow lateral movement of said animal trainingalong said path.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step ofsecuring upon an animal to be trained a harness assembly furthercomprising the steps of:(a) providing a pivotable boom for connecting tosaid tether; (b) securing to said animal a harness; and (c) mounting apivot assembly to operatively join said pivotable boom to said harness.19. The method of claim 18, further including the steps of:(a) measuringthe angular displacement of said pivotable boom to determine if saidanimal has moved laterally; (b) determining a new location of saidtrolley on said trolley boom necessary to return said restraining forcedirectly behind said animal; and (c) relocating said trolley on saidtrolley boom to align said restraining force behind said animal.
 20. Themethod of claim 16, further comprises the steps of:(a) closing saidelevated rail to provide a closed training path; (b) mounting anadditional restraining assembly upon said elevated rail to have pluralrestraining assemblies mounted on a single railing; (c) securing anadditional animal with an additional harness assembly; (d) connectingsaid additional harness assembly to said additional restraining assemblyand (e) providing a control means for monitoring the location, speed,acceleration, and applied resistance of said restraining assembly, andadjusting the speed and direction of said restraining assembly, wherebyplural animals may be trained simultaneously.
 21. A sprint exercisetraining system for providing a restraining force on a moving animalcomprising:elevated railing defining a training path; restrainingassembly, slidably carried by said elevated railing for providing arestraining force along said training path; and harness for conveyingsaid restraining force to an animal moving along said training path;said restraining assembly being located behind said animal opposite thedirection of movement of the animal along said training path.
 22. Asprint exercise training system for providing a restraining force on amoving animal comprising:elevated railing defining a training path;restraining assembly, slidably carried by said elevated railing forproviding a restraining force along said training path; and harness forconveying said restraining force to an animal moving along said trainingpath, and attached to said restraining assembly; whereby the animal isfree to move laterally from the direction of said restraining forcealong said training path.